Former sports journalist at M6 and Canal+, Marc-Olivier Taccard owns the only sports bookstore in France, located in the heart of Nice. Through “Le Vestiaire à Mots”, the former journalist has created a space for gathering, sharing, and learning centered around sports and its cultural and literary dimensions.
Having worked in television at M6 and Canal+ as a sports journalist, Marc-Olivier Taccard later joined the AS Monaco football club for 14 seasons in the video department. Being immersed in sports for 30 years, he decided to establish “Le Vestiaire à Mots” in April 2024. He aims to combine multiple domains, develop coworking spaces, and create events by inviting authors, associations, and key figures in sports.
How did the idea of opening the only sports bookstore in France in Nice come to you?
“I found that sports literature was very poorly showcased in bookstores while it is omnipresent today. Here, I offer between 2,000 and 3,000 books dedicated to sports. These can be novels, history, narratives, or biographies. There are plenty of stories to tell around sports. That is what I wanted to highlight.”
Trying to promote this literature, which I find neglected in other spaces and yet has real values to share, genuine emotions to convey… Many authors have been inspired by it for writing, but also for working. Sports have their place in French culture and literature.
Since April 2024, “Le Vestiaire à Mots” has established itself as a local reference for sports enthusiasts, literature, and collaborative work. How do you explain this rise?
Sales figures have always been growing and continuously increasing. In the first six months of activity and the first half of the year, the growth rate reached +23%. Nowadays, more and more people are coming after hearing about the place and the various books here. The goal is not to copy other bookstores but to offer rare and hard-to-find books that are off the beaten track and that I want to highlight.
The same goes for talented authors with stories to tell and offer. However, it is true that it is challenging to convince people that the literary world of sports exists. But many readers come back, praising the book they came to get, surprised by the quality of the work.
You have welcomed personalities like Gérard Holtz or companies such as Allianz and Schneider Electric. What do these collaborations concretely bring to your project?
It provides a real spotlight. When we bring in Gérard Holtz or even Ernest Pignon-Ernest, there is great visibility. Simply because they are known personalities here, and naturally, it draws a lot of people. The most important thing is to meet people, talk with personalities, and confront them. It shines a light on the Vestiaire.
In a football changing room, a lot happens. We share memories, emotions, and that’s why I called this bookstore “Le Vestiaire à Mots”. Through these talks and meetings, I wanted to create excitement and added value to the place and the project.
In 2025, you received the Rotary Club of Nice Prize, proof of your local recognition. How does this award serve as a lever for the development of “Le Vestiaire à Mots”?
This prize allowed me to acquire additional furniture for the bookstore. It is a great pride. I didn’t ask for anything; they contacted me to announce the award. It brings me gratitude, energy, and above all, determination to continue on this path. I created this place to generate such emotions. This prize has given me many ideas and inspiration…
Today, you are looking for a partner to accelerate the development of “Le Vestiaire à Mots.” What type of partner are you seeking, and what is your vision for the bookstore’s future?
The future remains very uncertain. Considering my projections, I am still quite far off. Therefore, it is necessary to find resources and a partner. Before looking for a financial investor, I am above all looking for a human investor. Today, I struggle to properly develop the coworking spaces and meeting rooms.
But I believe in my lucky star. This place deserves and has the right to exist. As the saying goes: “alone, you go faster, but together, you go further.” I need to be associated with another vision.
